topic Re: Faulty product in Buying

Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:53:09 GMT

How do i go about returning an item or getting a refund when an item i purchased no longer works after less than a month? And of course it outside the return window so how can this be done? I have advised the seller of the issue but they are doing nothing apart from responding with the exact same "automated reply' which is starting to get really annoying. Given under Australian consumer law i am entitled to a refund or replacement of a defective item why is this not an option on Ebay? Seems like Ebays stance is to screw the buyer and protect dodgy sellers.

Re: Faulty product

countessalmirena — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:17:15 GMT

You say it’s been less than a month. In that case, you should be able to open a Return Request for a refund. eBay’s Money Back Guarantee covers you for 30 days from the date of delivery for items that are not as described.

However, you also say “And of course it outside the return window” which seems to indicate it’s been more than 30 days. Which is it?

If it’s been more than 30 days, then did you use PayPal? PayPal Buyer Protection covers items not as described for up to 180 days from the date of transaction (not the date of delivery). Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to pay for the return postage, as PayPal no longer cover return postage cost.

(If the seller is overseas and thus return postage cost is not commensurate with the cost of the item, you may be able to get PayPal to refund without needing to return - but this is by no means certain.)

If you didn’t pay via PayPal, you may still have a remedy if you funded the transaction by card (debit or credit), but a chargeback doesn’t have a clear-cut timeframe; it depends on the issuing bank and on the specific card.

You do need to be aware that buyer protection, and the Money Back Guarantee, is not the same thing as product warranty. Bear that in mind.

Re: Faulty product

davewil1964 — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:49:14 GMT

You have no feedback left for you in the last 3 months, so when did you actually buy the item? That is not the same as the 'less than a month' you claim. When was it actually delivered to you?

Timeframes are important, as the Countess stated.

Re: Faulty product

*casey* — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:55:06 GMT

"Seems like Ebays stance is to screw the buyer and protect dodgy sellers"

The seller you left feedback for, then regretted it ?

That's why it's always best to check feedback before buying, especially from Chinese sellers.

And ignore:

One of eBay's most reputable sellers.

Consistently delivers outstanding customer service

Re: Faulty product

padi*0409 — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:49:34 GMT

@davewil1964 wrote:

You have no feedback left for you in the last 3 months, so when did you actually buy the item?

Dave, click on "most recent" rather than "most relevant" and the latest feedback shows up.

Re: Faulty product

sandypebbles — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:33:31 GMT

Why are you buying from dodgy sellers in the first place?

eBay is almost always all about the buyer

If you choose to use the tools you are given

You claim it has been 'less than a month' and then claim 'it is outside the return window'

Which one is true?

Sorry but no

Re: Faulty product

*casey* — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:33:25 GMT

@ jedi110_4

Your problem isn't uncommon in that you buy an item (the air pump) that needs to be set up,

probably wait until a weekend to do it and when it stops working after a few weeks, you find you're out of time to make an MBG claim.

Unfortunately you purchased from one of the "Flag bearing / AU sellers" who is registered in China.

Hopefully, the information the Countess has given you in regards to Paypal and a bank chargeback, will help you receive a refund.

Re: Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:47:23 GMT

Thanks for the reply. I received the item and tested it straight away to ensure it worked, however i wasn't able to install it for actual use until about 10 days after receiving it. So, what i'm saying is the item worked for less than a month from when it was installed, which takes it passed the 30 days from receiving the item and therefore outside the Ebay MBG window. To me, if it shouldn't matter whether it fails after 1 day or 100days. If this was purchased in a physical store in Australia, then i would be able to return it for exchange or refund so there should be no difference just because it's on-line.

I have resolved myself to losing money on this as the buyer protection Ebay sprout is simply a joke and the bank charge back option doesn't appear to have gained any traction.

Thanks for the advice though, appreciate it.

Re: Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 04:59:27 GMT

Their feedback is definitely there. Purchased 17 Nov 24. Delivered 21st or 22nd Nov 24, tested 24 Nov 24 and installed 04 Dec 24. Stopped working either 1st or 2nd Jan 25. So didn't last a month.

Re: Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:03:20 GMT

Hi, i do look at feedback before buying and i try to look for what i hope to be legit Australian businesses however its is quite difficult to sort the legit from the shonky with alot of them. That's why there should be an avenue for buyers to report shonky sellers to EBay, which may lead to them being removed. The current setup is a joke.

Re: Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:11:36 GMT

I said the item worked for less than a month from when i installed it, however it failed outside the return window, so both statements are correct. I'm pretty sure i'm not the only person who doesn't start using or installing items they purchase straight away.

So, exactly how do you spot dodgy sellers from legit ones then? And exactly what tools is a buyer supposed to use to inform their decision. This buyer has 98.4% positive feedback, majority of feedback comments are positive and i looked at most recent, 1 and 2 star reviews as well as the 4 and 5 star reviews taking note of specific comments regarding postage time frames, seller communication, issues with items etc. So, please enlighten me as to what i am obviously not doing to have brought this on myself.

Fact is, item sold to me was defective, seller essentially ghosts me once they've been informed and there is no recourse options for buyers on EBay if this happens. Again, which part of this is my fault.

Re: Faulty product

jedi110_4 — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:20:51 GMT

G'day. Its refreshing to find one person that understands that not everyone uses or installs items they purchase immediately. Thanks for that.

And yes, it most probably is a flag bearing AU seller registered in China, but then which ones aren't. Iits extremely difficult to find one that's not, especially with what can only be inflated positive feedback percentages etc.

Countess had good info that re-inforced what i already expected as my options, so that was definitely appreciated. Not holding my breath to be honest. Think i'll just have to right this one off as a bad experience.

That said, like i replied to one of the others, there should be an option that allows buyers to report shonky sellers at any time. Additionally, i won't be leaving early reviews anymore.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reply Casey, much appreciated.

Re: Faulty product

springyzone — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 20:06:34 GMT

Jedi, I think it is important when you are buying from ebay to understand that the money back guarantee is in no way a warranty.

And that it doesn't matter what an ebay ad may claim about a warranty, most of the time they are just not enforceable. They are not valid. That applies even to Australian sellers but is especially so if you buy from a seller who is overseas.

I personally think you have lost your money unless you have paypal or a charge back option. But even paypal, although it allows up to 180 days for a claim, is in no way a warranty system.

If something doesn't arrive or is faulty when it arrives, then you are covered by ebay or paypal, but if it develops problems later or if it is just bad quality, you are not covered.

Your best bet on ebay is to never buy anything that needs a warranty, not unless it is from an authorised seller. Never go near anything electronic on ebay, or electrical or a phone etc unless you are very sure of the seller. Ebay is just not ideal for some things and you may actually get soemthing that is downright dangerous, not up to Australian specifications.

And yes, I think it is common for people to leave some purchases for a few weeks till they open them, maybe to install or because they are gifts or whatever. I've had that happen too but have learnt that if it is for me, I make myself have a look asap because even if you buy from a real store, you aren't necessarily covered for very long. I know a lot of stores where you have a month, max.

Re: Faulty product

springyzone — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 20:27:11 GMT

@jedi110_4 wrote:
And yes, it most probably is a flag bearing AU seller registered in China, but then which ones aren't. Iits extremely difficult to find one that's not, especially with what can only be inflated positive feedback percentages etc.

That said, like i replied to one of the others, there should be an option that allows buyers to report shonky sellers at any time. Additionally, i won't be leaving early reviews anymore.

This is by way of a PS

It takes a few extra clicks, but you can suss out where a seller is located (as opposed to where the item is supposedly located), if you look under the 'About' tab. It is always worth checking before you buy.

The feedback % in most cases are not necessarily inflated. I know that you probably think 98% is pretty high, most buyers would, but in actual fact, it can sometimes be a red flag-and would be to a lot of boardies here-if the feedback is below 99% for a big volume seller. It is always worth checking feedback out, anyway.

And remember, those who give feedback often do so fairly early on in the piece. You get 2 months. Yes, it is a good idea to leave it till later. I occasionally do reviews for a website where I test products & the one thing I don't like is we only get one month to submit it. Obviously a lot of things can break down after a month.

We see it here on the ebay boards regularly, where someone buys something and it breaks down a few weeks or months down the track, well outside the money back guarantee and well outside feedback.

That's why it is important to buy from a real shop or authorised seller if you need a warranty.

Ebay isn't interested in your personal reports about a seller. As long as a seller delivers the goods and the goods are not faulty on arrival, that is the extent of ebay's concern.

Re: Faulty product

etb321 — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:04:45 GMT

Didn't it occur to you that using the Australian flag to promote a business as odd? You might in future read it as 'based in China' Under Chinese law your entitled to nothing.